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Instead of of hitting up Sasquatch at the Gorge or catching the string of good shows (Maceo Plex, The Twelves) in our own backyard this Memorial Day, we are taking to the hills to backpack the Lost Coast for the long weekend. I am excited to explore a rare cut of untouched California coast–when workers showed up with their dynamite to build the Pacific Highway they turned back inland for this stretch because it was too rugged to break through. I am more than OK with temporarily shedding the untz and indie in my life for a few days of deserted beaches, friendship, love, whisky, campfire, dogs and hopefully no bears. See you next week.

I have given Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ new album, Here, its first solid listen, and I am left somewhat surprised, but pleased. The album’s earlier single, Man on Fire, captivated me with its quiet echos of a country western sunset, and I have found much of the rest of the album to have a similar feel, with more of a slow, subtle and spiritual glean to it than their previous work. Signature stomping sound, uplifting beats and vocal banter have been swapped with more hushed harmonies and simple guitar melodies. Both types of sound serve different purposes. Both are good. This track, All Wash Out, embodies that peaceful, pensive kind of feeling I have settled into with a lot of the new album. Enjoy. #indie / tory

I am in the midst of slowly compiling a life changing playlist of songs that go ‘oooh-oooh’ – Rural Alberta Advantage’s Frank, AB, Kings of Leon’s Use Somebody, and just about any song by Arcade Fire. Today’s Untz definitely has made the cut… shoot any more ideas my way.

Today’s Indie: Man on Fire / Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

‘I want the whole damn world to come dance with me’

Wow. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have released the first track off May 29th’s forthcoming album, Here, and it has put me out in the desert watching an epic sunset around an open fire while somehow simultaneously being curled up in the bedroom I grew up in at the same time. With a slow and steady rise, arcing hushed hums, and gentle guitar, Man on Fire has a Sunday kind of sound to it that has happily settled right into and awoken my sleepy Monday morning soul. As a blogger at Folk Hive put it, ‘these goddamn hippies have my heart…’ Happily so.

I want to see our bodies burning like old big suns. #indie

Today’s Untz: Reunion / M83 (Mylo remix)

‘I could build a fort / and play all day / between your lips and mine / let’s stay here forever’

Reunion is one of my favorite tracks off Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, but the beat is so transfixing I never really took the time to figure out the lyrics. The boyfriend sent me this Mylo remix this morning and as I geared up to post it I took a look at a lyrics sites. Floored. The sentiment matches the sound to perfection, and the whole thing is pretty much magical. Ooooh. #untz

I am lucky to have a concept of home that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, returning for the holidays to the house I grew up in with a family that has picnics under the Christmas tree every Christmas Eve and that lies down on the kitchen floor between Thanksgiving dinner and dessert in order to burp to make more room for the final course.

Edward Sharpe’s version of Home translates this feeling into a love, and I totally dig it… ultimately it is people and not places that cause this sense of comfort. And people can be anywhere. #emo

Today’s Untz: Little Man / Little Dragon (Tycho remix)

‘something missing in your smile / something missing in your soul’

A chill, minimal take on Little Dragon’s Little Man by one of San Francisco’s own. Tycho, aka Scott Hansen, is playing the Independent on December 10th, and if I survive Santa Con that day I will be sure to check him out-ambient beats could serve as the perfect antidote to a morning of mayhem running around Polk Street in a full santa suit. Although maybe I should wear it to the show. #untz